BD eyes nano fertilisers to transform farming

Bangladesh is exploring nano technology as a promising way to reduce farming costs, improve crop productivity and make agriculture more environmentally sustainable. However, despite encouraging research findings, the government has yet to approve the commercial use of nano fertilisers, prompting experts to call for a national policy and implementation roadmap.

The agriculture sector is facing mounting pressure from climate change, declining soil fertility, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and rising production costs. Although the government spends billions of taka each year on fertiliser subsidies, researchers say a significant portion of conventional urea is lost through volatilisation and leaching, reducing efficiency while contributing to soil, water and environmental pollution.

Researchers say nano fertilisers could significantly improve nutrient-use efficiency because their ultra-small particles enable crops to absorb nutrients more effectively. This could allow farmers to produce comparable yields with less fertiliser, lowering production costs while reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), in its latest Fertilizer Recommendation Guide, has described nano fertilisers as a promising technology for sustainable agriculture. However, it emphasised that comprehensive environmental and food safety assessments must be completed before large-scale commercial adoption.

Several government research organisations, including the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI) and BARC, are conducting field trials. BRRI has evaluated liquid nano urea in Boro rice cultivation, while BWMRI is studying nano urea and nano-DAP in wheat production.

International studies indicate that nano urea can improve nitrogen-use efficiency, with some research suggesting chemical nitrogen fertiliser use could be reduced by around 25 per cent under suitable conditions. However, Bangladesh has yet to introduce any nationwide farmer programme, distribution system or official guideline for nano fertiliser use.

Government expenditure on fertiliser subsidies has remained substantial. Subsidies stood at about Tk 7,717 crore in FY2020-21 before rising to nearly Tk 28,000 crore in FY2021-22. Revised allocations exceeded Tk 25,000 crore between FY2022-23 and FY2024-25, while Tk 25,000 crore, including arrears, was allocated for FY2025-26. The proposed FY2026-27 budget earmarks Tk 17,000 crore for fertiliser subsidies and other agricultural incentives.

Former Bangladesh Agricultural University Soil Science Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem said nano fertilisers could improve nutrient uptake but should not yet be considered a replacement for conventional fertilisers. He stressed the need for long-term field research and environmental impact assessments before wider adoption.

Former BARC Executive Chairman Dr Sheikh Mohammad Bakhtiar said future agriculture would depend heavily on advanced technologies, with nano technology playing a vital role in addressing climate change and maximising the efficient use of limited resources. Agricultural economists believe reducing fertiliser use by 20-25 per cent through nano technology could significantly lower production costs for major crops, although the results would vary depending on crop type and local conditions.